60-Second Interview with Graz Pytlik from Frontier Dental Laboratories

Recruit4Technicians.com speak to Graz Pytlik from Frontier Dental Laboratories in B.C Canada.

How long have you been working as a technician, and what is your job role? (ceramics, prosthetics, CAD/CAM etc) 

I qualified as a dental tech in 2004 but I didn't work in a lab after I graduated. I found a job as a dental nurse, I finished college for dental nurses then after 4 years I've decided to go back to my original qualifications, and I found a job in a dental lab in 2009.

What and where was your first technician job?

The first technician job was in South Shields, in the UK. The lab was called The Ceramic Art Studio. I was employed as a crown and bridge technician doing everything from casting models to building porcelain. However, I was helping out in the denture department too.

When you arrive at the lab each morning, what are the first things you do?

The first thing I do is check the list of cases that need to go out on the day and make sure they are finished.

What two radio stations do you listen to in the lab the most?

Rock radio and Jack radio.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

Happy patients and happy dentists. 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Running my own lab.

Coming out of Covid, where's the first place you'd like to travel to and why?

Hawaii to enjoy, relax and drink cocktails.

What three pieces of advice would you give to your 18 year-old self?

Oh dear... that's a difficult question... I guess I'd say:

1. Learn CAD/CAM sooner

2. Don't be afraid to follow great opportunities in another country

3. Don't worry when you make mistakes, you're only a human

If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be and why? 

Jason Mamoa, because he's gorgeous !!!

Michel Roux Jr, because he's my celebrity chef hero

Peter Pizzi, because he's my dental hero

Emmeline Pankhurst, because she rocks

Who has been your biggest inspiration, either in work or life in general, and why?

Hmmm ... I don't think I can answer this question. I didn't have one role model or inspirational person in my life.

I grew up on a farm in Poland, when the communism still ruled the country. I've had a very simple but strict upbringing. Watching my parents and grandparents working really hard every day so we can have an easier life gave me even more motivation to do higher education and become a successful person, which I believe I did.

Thanks for your time Graz :~)

Blog post by Andy Foster